A housing watchdog has given First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) top marks for its leadership and financial strength following an inspection this summer.
The Regulator of Social Housing awarded the housing association G1 for governance and V1 for financial viability. FCHO received a C2 grading for the new consumer standard – one off the top grade.
The results mean FCHO has all the tools to continue investing in existing homes, building new ones and delivering quality services.
The C2 rating recognised the social housing provider was delivering for customers. The regulator referenced the work FCHO was doing to drive improvements in repairs, anti-social behaviour and complaints handling following the implementation of a new corporate plan.
“We are extremely proud of this excellent inspection outcome that reinforces FCHO is well run and in a strong financial position,” said chief executive Mark Gifford.
“The regulator agreed with us on the areas where we can do better in the new customer category and has referenced how they are now being addressed at pace.
“This is the first time FCHO has been assessed against consumer standards,” he explained.
Mr Gifford praised his staff for all their hard work delivering such a good result. He also thanked customers for their feedback in developing the corporate plan.
He added: "This report recognises FCHO is performing well. We are proud this is the case but we are not complacent. Our ambition is to continue raising standards and delivering even better outcomes for our customers.”
